“Orphan Black” Ratings Soar on DVR, Encore Views

“Orphan Black” might not have premiered its second season to monstrous numbers, but it is definitely finding an audience.

According to BBC America, viewership the season premiere enjoyed an “unprecedented rise” in the Live+3 ratings report.

With three days of DVR and post-Saturday encore viewing included, the “Orphan Black” premiere drew 1.577 million viewers. That represents a gain of 101% from the opening night audience sum of 785,000.

The show’s audience in adults 18-49, meanwhile, grew from 391,000 on premiere night to 746,000 over three days.

“The Live+3 lift from Live+SD for the Orphan Black season two premiere ranks #1 among all TV drama season premieres thus far in the 2013/14 TV season,” says BBC America, adding, “In Live+3, the season two premiere is now well ahead of the season one premiere in all three demos – up 41% in P2+, 52% in A25-54, and 65% in A18-49.”

The explosive DVR growth lends credence to the notion that “Orphan Black” is being held back by its timeslot. While Saturday nights might be established for BBC America’s programming, “Orphan Black'”s leap onto the pop culture radar likely attracted some fans of a different demographic. A Saturday night slot might be prohibitive to their viewing habits.

Also responsible for the DVR boost? Strong buzz and critical marks for the episode.